It was the first visit to the site for many Rotarians

by Mary Kay Doubek

Saturday, April 29 was Rotarians at Work Day for 1.2 million members globally.  In Ventura, the Downtown, East, and South clubs joined forces on a single project so they could make a bigger impact in the community they love.

“Ventura Botanical Gardens is an ideal place to show the power of Rotary,” stated Downtown Ventura Rotary President Betsy Chess.  “60 local Rotary, Rotaract (18-30 ages), and Interact (high school ages) members set aside their Saturday morning and were able to clear invasive plants and brush from a quarter mile stretch of trail above Summit Drive.  There certainly was an impressive stack of weeds when we were done.”

Joe Cahill, VBG Executive Director, added, “The trails are in use more than ever this spring.  Along with the 60 Rotarians on site that day, there were thousands of trail walkers and 500 or more participants and spectators in the Ventura Police Department-sponsored Mud Run.  Later that afternoon, the Ventura Climate March came through the gardens too.”

After working up their appetites, Rotarians were treated to Domino’s Pizza from East Ventura Rotarian Husam Hishmeh at the future site of Rotary Plaza at VBG.  It was the first visit to the site for many Rotarians, who were enthusiastic about putting the Rotary name up at Ventura Botanical Gardens.  Project organizers Bruce and Kathy McGee of Rotary East described the features to be developed for Rotary Plaza.  It will include a gathering place for 50 or more people, as well as the Rotary Wheel and Four Way Test, symbols of the “service above self” motto that Rotarians live by.  They will be placed in a setting which offers unobstructed panoramic views of the gardens below, as well as city hall, and the ocean and islands beyond.

“We are confident we can build the financial support within Rotary to make this investment in Ventura Botanical Gardens,” said Bruce McGee.  “Any way you look at it, Rotary Plaza is a fantastic project.  Foremost, we want to endorse Ventura Botanical Gardens, the best and biggest new public asset in Ventura in our lifetime.  VBG is already a gift to every member of the community we love, and it will be enhanced dramatically over the next 30 years to be enjoyed for many generations to come.  Secondly, the superior location of the plaza at a crossroads by the top of the first trail, will naturally attract people.  Many will stop to look and learn about the values of Rotary via an online app they can access on their mobile phones.  Founded 110 years ago and now counting over 35,000 clubs globally, Rotary is committed to serve others near and far.  Now, more than ever, the world needs more people who live by our club’s guiding principles of truth, fairness, goodwill, and friendship.  Who knows, some visitors to Rotary Plaza at VBG may even decide to become Rotarians themselves in their own communities.”

Caps Media Summer Digital Storytelling Program

In July the popular CAPS Media Digital Storytelling program kicks off at the CAPS Media Center for students, ages 10-15.  Young videographers, film makers and video storytellers get hands-on training with video cameras, audio recording equipment and computer editing software to create the stories the crew wants to tell.  Registration is open for the three week-long programs scheduled July 10 – 14 (in association with Ventura Parks & Rec), July 17 – 21 and July 24 – 28.  Each fun, creative and engaging program runs Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 3:30pm.  The fee includes a t-shirt, use of pro gear and instruction, and a free CAPS Media membership for a year.  To learn more about the Digital Storytelling program, go to www.capsmedia.org/events.

CAPS Radio is on the air at 104.1FM.  The recently launched Ventura community radio station is here for you.  Drop by the CAPS Media Center for a tour and learn how to become a radio host and DJ.  Two-part training classes begin at 6pm on Thursday June 1 and Monday June 5.  Even if you don’t have an idea for a show just yet, come to class and you’ll get inspired.  If you prefer to produce a program, report news, fundraise for KPPQ, spread the word about an idea or issue you care about, CAPS Radio is the place for you.  To reserve a spot in the class, call now at 805.658.0500 or go to the CAPS Media website. And, listen in and let us know what you think and what you want to hear on CAPS Radio KPPQ-LP at 104.1FM.

Become a Member/Producer of CAPS Media.  With our new radio station, the CAPS Media Center has new membership options.  Both our television and radio member programming is rich and diverse from travel to music to drama to politics and more.  As a membership organization CAPS Media supports our Member/Producers’ creativity and helps them share their voices with the community.

Aspiring (or experienced) journalists, photographers, videographers and storytellers are invited and encouraged to get involved at the CAPS Media Center. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Ventura is eligible to become a member. For annual fees of only $25 (individual) and $75 (non-profit organization), member/producers are trained by the knowledgeable CAPS Media staff in the art and fun of video and radio communication.  Once certified, member/producers may check out video cameras, tripods, and other gear for video production and book editing suites for postproduction to create the stories they want to tell.

Ongoing CAPS Media classes include new member orientation the first Thursday of the month, the next one is June 1st. The HD Videography/Camera class is held the second Thursday and the Edit class follows up on the third Thursday. We introduce our newest class, the production/storytelling class to be held May 25th and every fourth Thursday of the month.

The CAPS Media website has all the info.  Go to www.capsmedia.org to see a schedule of upcoming programs on Channel 6 & 15, search the archives for past programs, get info on upcoming video and radio classes and much more.

Join spellbinding Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta for music and stories.

The community is invited to join the Ventura Music Festival’s spellbinding Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta on Sunday, June 4th, at 3pm, where he will spin music and stories about the people and developments leading up to what is recognized today as authentically American Classical Music.

The event is free and open to the public.

Included in the story: the starts and the misfires, the impact of European composers, the importance of Jazz, the landmark contribution of Gershwin, the distinctly American imagery and music of Aaron Copland followed shortly after by the glorious work of Samuel Barber. Ojai’s John Biggs the well-loved composer of numerous  rich classical pieces will also be there

Besides serving as Ventura Music Festival’s Artistic Director, Mehta is Special Project Director of the San Diego Symphony.

Located at 100 E. Main St; ample parking is provided. On June 4th, the Museum is open all day for its “Free First Sunday” event featuring a celebration of the Summer Solstice and the new exhibit, Secret Paintings, by Michael Pearce.

While Mehta at the Museum is an admission-free event, reservations are requested. Simply go to VMF’s website – VenturaMusicFestival.org – and the Mehta at the Museum link on its homepage. Click and reserve.

Great live music and wine-themed vendors completes this wonderful heavenly mountain setting.

by Mark & Debbie Bailey  Owners, The Wine Room Gallery, PMC

Fine wine lovers; mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10th, for the annual Pine Mountain Club “Wine in the Pines” in the Pine Mountain Village Center, an easy and scenic 90-minute drive from Ventura.

From 1-4pm (noon to 4pm with a VIP ticket) you’ll be able to taste exciting wines from throughout California’s wine- growing regions, with dozens of premiere wineries to choose from. If you need a break from too much fine wine, then enjoy some cold craft beer or cider from several wonderful breweries. And then there’s the food; some of Kern County’s favorite restaurants will be on hand serving everything from classic gourmet finger-food to good-ol’ western barbeque, to Asian and other culinary delights to compliment the fine wine. Want a food pairing for the brews? Then how about a bacon-wrapped gourmet hot dog from “Brazil’s Gourmet Hot Dogs” of Bakersfield? Feel like cooling off and satisfying that exotic sweet tooth? “Mountain Dream Café and Ice Cream” will be serving ice cream topped with Late Harvest Ampelos Cellars Viognier.

Due to its immense popularity last year, we will once again have a specific Lompoc Wine Ghetto section in the PMC Village Center, featuring many of the wonderful Ghetto Wineries.

Great live music and wine-themed vendors completes this wonderful heavenly mountain setting. Proceeds this year benefits the American Cancer Society and various local non-profits.

You must be 21 or older to purchase tickets for Wine in the Pines and ID’s will be checked at the entrance. General Admission to the wine festival is just $55 in advance and $70 at the door if any tickets remain. VIP tickets allow for an intimate early noon entry. They are $80.00 and must be purchased in advance. This event usually sells out, so buy your tickets early. Admission includes wine & beer tasting, a logo glass, a custom wine glass holder plate, fabulous food, live music and scenery like none other.

Pine Mountain Club is located just 20 minutes west of Interstate 5 at the Frazier Park exit. For a map and directions, hotel and cabin rental links and other information, go to www.wineinthepines.com, or email [email protected].

Tickets for Wine in the Pines can be purchased online at the event website: www.wineinthepines.com. Wineries wishing to pour at this world-class event can click on the winery link also located on our website.

Circus embarks on a brand new epic adventure under the big top!

Goggles, gears, and gadgets set the stage for Circus Vargas’ 2017’s retro-futuristic production, SteamCirque! Join them on a journey of fantastic proportions where children of all ages will marvel at the wacky and wonderful cast of characters that come alive in this exciting steampunk, science-fiction fantasy inspired circus odyssey!

Arrive 45 minutes early for an entertaining, interactive pre-show celebration, where kids can create their own magic under the big top, learning circus skills such as juggling, balancing and more! Meet and mingle with the entire cast after each performance. Capture the fun by posing for pics or selfies with your favorite cast members, all part of an unforgettable Circus Vargas experience!

An eccentric group of adventure seekers stumble upon a traveling circus in an imaginary Victorian city, far, far-away. SteamCirque’s peculiar protagonist, part magician-part inventor, attempts to industrialize the circus by incorporating his steam powered mechanical contraptions into the ordinary, typical circus rigging, filling the big top with new, imaginative acrobatic apparatus for the artists to perform their acts.

“SteamCirque is inspired by adventure, colored by imagination and brought to life by the amazing cast of Circus Vargas!”

Join for an amazing experience, under the big top as Circus Vargas celebrates its 48th year and create new and treasured memories for generations to come! This wonderful show has something for everyone! It’s 2 hours of amazing music, lights, magic, acrobats, aerialists, daredevils, comedians and more!

General admission tickets are $17-$32 for children and $27-$37 for adults. Reserved Ringside seating is $52-$67 for children and $57-$72 for adults. For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and Twitter for updates, discounts and behind the scenes video.

In Ventura: Ventura County Fairgrounds

• Thursday, May 25 – Monday, May 29
• Thursday, May 25 – 7:30pm
• Friday, May 26 – 4:00pm, 7:30pm
• Saturday, May 27 – 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:30pm
• Sunday, May 28 – 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 7:00pm
• Monday, May 29 – 2:30pm, 6:00pm